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On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska. The Exxon Valdez, an oil tanker, spilled its contents all around Prince William Sound. This would change the habitat there forever.

The day that the Valdez crashed into rocks, the wildlife there began having problems. Birds would land in the oil, and would soon be unable to fly, because of all the oil on its wings. Sea otters would freeze to death, since the oil rendered their warm, furry coat useless.

Meanwhile, the beaches became covered with oil washing in. This made it affect land animals as well. With all of this, the food chains in the area became disrupted. Animals began disappearing. The effect of this is still seen today.

More recently, oil spilled in Great Britain. The Sea Empress leaked its oil into the English channel on February 15, 1996 at 8:08pm.

You may think we can do nothing about this, but you are wrong. Oil tankers in such numbers as they are now would not be needed as much if we used less oil and petroleum products. By using less, less is shipped, meaning fewer boats and fewer chances for accidents. You can help by driving less. Use a bicycle or walk for short distances. This would also help alleviate the problem with our air pollution.

Go back to The War on Planet Earth